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Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Another new release by the talented ladies over at Little Lizard King this week is the Augusta. How could I pass up testing a dress named after one of my favorite cities?

This is another pattern loaded with options- two front necklines, classic or sweetheart; as well as two back options, elastic or button back. This is the classic neckline with elastic back.

There are also multiple skirt options for this pattern- simple skirt in dress or maxi length as well as casual and formal widths. There is also a gorgeous tiered cascading hi/low skirt option. We tested out the maxi length in a gorgeous yellow floral with pink accents.

This pattern ranges from 12 months up to 14 years and can be a great pattern for any age in between. Pick up your copy on the Little Lizard King website!

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

It has been a while since I have shared any of the new designs that I have had the pleasure of testing this year! The most recent test by Little Lizard King, the Lexington, is just too perfect not to share here. There are so many options with this pattern to make anything from a formal dress to a fun everyday top for those hot summer days.

The front bodice has a unique crossover design that could be an excellent place to play with fabrics. It has an optional "bodice band" that can be flat or gathered for added dimension. I made the simple everday fabric (with no bodice band) in a bright and sunny floral print perfect for summer.

The back is my favorite part of this dress- those strappy ties and back elastic casings allow for the perfect fit. They also make this dress great for the hot summer days we get here in the South!

There are many different options for the skirt included in the pattern as well from top length to tulle maxi and everything in between! Make sure you check out some of the formal versions in the pattern listing! This is the casual dress length.

The pattern ranges from size 12 months to 14 years, and looks fabulous on all ages. There are detailed instructions for achieving the perfect fit based on your child's measurements- and also tips on measuring. The pattern also includes detailed step by step instructions to guide you through making all versions of the pattern.

Monday, March 27, 2017

I was thrilled to be a part of the upcoming "Bloom" collection by the Little Lizard King. The collection features three new dress styles- Ardenne, Monet and Versailles. These timeless styles for modern girls were inspired by the beauty of the gardens in France. All three patterns will be releasing on Wednesday, March 29th. Here is a glimpse at all three patterns sewn and photographed by Crystal Thoreson in the Sarah Jane Magic fabric line- pure sweetness!

I had the opportunity to sew up the Versailles from the Bloom collection for my little one. Versailles features a charming v-neck back and has optional double ruffles around the neckline which I adore! Versailles can be sewn either in knee or maxi length making it a wardrobe stable for spring and summer. The fully lined bodice makes it comfortable for those little ones to wear.

The back features buttons and a placket for ease of getting it on and off. I chose to use two small wood tone buttons on a chambray bodice. The skirt fabric is a gorgeous Anna Maria Horner print with such bright and fun colors for the upcoming season.

Versailles comes in sizes 12 month through 12 years. It is a gorgeous silhouette with or without those neckline ruffles. They make such a sweet statement though in my opinion.

If you haven't visited the newly updated Little Lizard King site, you really need to pop over and take a look around. Not only have they updated the website, but they have released some gorgeous new pattern collections lately!

We had so much fun with this collection and can't wait to see what all you sew up with it. If you aren't a part of the Little Lizard King Sewing Cafe, you should run over and join to share your creations and get inspiration!

Be on the look out for Versailles, Monet & Ardenne to hit the Little Lizard King website this Wednesday!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Among the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the upcoming Christmas season, I managed to squeeze in one more pattern test for my sweet friend Jill of Jilly Atlanta. The Constance Cape is available now in her Etsy shop and will be only $5 for the first 24 hours! The perfect winter accessory for any little lady.

I chose to sew this one up in a plaid brushed cotton just perfect for the holidays. I went with the ruffled collar option, because let's face it I have a thing for ruffled collars! I also chose to do the straight hem, but I can't wait to try out the scalloped hem version of this cape as well!

The inside of the cape is fully lined and can easily be made reversible. My little princess was sick, so I wasn't able to get out to pick up any new materials for this one. So I went with a solid red cotton for the lining.

The pattern includes instructions for cutting your ties on the bias, but I wanted to add a fun pop of red to our cape. These ties are just a red velvet ribbon that I had on hand. Love how sweet this one turned out.

The pattern ranges from size 2t up to a size 14. Pieces are nested and layered to save on what you print! There are so many fun combinations you can make with this pattern with the two collar options, two hem line options, and two closure options!

Suggested woven fabrics for the cape include- wool, lightweight denim, lightweight corduroy, linen, and cotton. You can really have fun with this one!

The PDF file includes:

Size chart in imperial and metric

Fabric requirements in imperial or metric

Notions list

Sewing tips

Computer drawn patterns

Tutorial with pictures detailing each step

YouTube videos for extra help

Glossary of terms

And for those of you that don't have a serger, great news, this pattern has a professional finish with no serger required!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Duchess- it just sounds like the perfect prim and proper name for this sweet little dress. The latest pattern by Jilly Atlanta does not disappoint! This simple A-line dress with gorgeous side pleats is the perfect pattern for showcasing fabrics or fun little details.

I chose to use a simple ivory with black dot for the bodice (mostly to match these sweet little Joyfolie shoes to be completely honest) and then paired with a solid soft pink for the ultimate girly combo.

The side pleats are accented with sweet side bows and I also chose to add a bow to the bodice. The V-shape of the bodice is very unique and a fun change from the patterns I normally sew.

Jill's patterns are very well laid out. From nested pattern pieces with easy to align pages, to the clear concise step by step instructions. Jill has even included links within the pattern to video tutorials for extra help! How amazing is that?

The pattern ranges from size 2t up to 12 years. It includes a size chart to aid in choosing the correct size for the perfect fit. If you have a little one like mine, I often find myself mashing sizes to get the fit spot on! The interior finish on this one is gorgeous as well. The bodice seams are enclosed for a clean and finished look.

The back has a sweet button and loop closure. I found this gorgeous little button in my stash of vintage buttons and it was just the perfect touch for the back.

You can have so much fun with this pattern. Mix your fabrics up or use a sweet flannel or corduroy to make a jumper for cooler weather. The possibilities are endless!

The pattern will release this Thursday (Oct 27th) beginning at 8am (EST) and will be on sale for $5 for the first 24 hours! Run over to the Jilly Atlanta shop to purchase your copy and then head over to join the Jilly Atlanta Facebook Group to share your creations! <3